Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron might have had the interview of the week at the NFL Combine's media access. But, reporters aren't the only ones impressed by the potential first-round pick.
According to multiple team sources, the Steelers were "blown away" by Barron during their formal interview with him, a meeting that included Mike Tomlin. And after hearing the way Barron described the meeting, it's no surprise the team felt the same way:
"They were just finding out about me, really honestly," Barron said. "Who I was as a person, the things that I've faced. I've faced a lot of adversity. Just a lot of growing up to do. I grew up perfectly, just maturing in the right way. Thanks to (Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian) for that. Just helping me on and off the field. He always told me, 'The better the man, the better the ball player.' Just taking that into consideration every single year, every single day about my journey, it really changed me and I matured a lot. Just building connections, graduating, and then turning my life around on the field is how I took about the treatment room and things like that."
Disregard the fact that Barron really impressed during Friday's workouts, running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. The Steelers have been spending a lot of their time with players focusing on who they are as a person rather than talking much football. The football is already on tape. They want to know the person underneath the helmet, and Barron passed that test with flying colors.
Barron is a consensus top-10 or top-15 player in the draft, but hasn't always been mocked as a first-round pick due to him profiling more as a slot cornerback rather than on the outside. His measurements all but confirmed that for a lot of people:
Given the way Brian Branch and Cooper DeJean have impact their respective teams, the idea of drafting a slot cornerback in the first round is quickly becoming less and less farfetched. While the Steelers still prioritize defensive tackle, should the board fall a certai way, I wouldn't rule out Barron at 21st overall.
That part's conjecture right now. It's only February. The draft's two months away. But, there's no doubt the Texas cornerback made a lasting impression on the Steelers.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
1:33 am - 03.01.2025IndianapolisSources: Steelers 'blown away' by Barron
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron might have had the interview of the week at the NFL Combine's media access. But, reporters aren't the only ones impressed by the potential first-round pick.
According to multiple team sources, the Steelers were "blown away" by Barron during their formal interview with him, a meeting that included Mike Tomlin. And after hearing the way Barron described the meeting, it's no surprise the team felt the same way:
"They were just finding out about me, really honestly," Barron said. "Who I was as a person, the things that I've faced. I've faced a lot of adversity. Just a lot of growing up to do. I grew up perfectly, just maturing in the right way. Thanks to (Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian) for that. Just helping me on and off the field. He always told me, 'The better the man, the better the ball player.' Just taking that into consideration every single year, every single day about my journey, it really changed me and I matured a lot. Just building connections, graduating, and then turning my life around on the field is how I took about the treatment room and things like that."
Disregard the fact that Barron really impressed during Friday's workouts, running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. The Steelers have been spending a lot of their time with players focusing on who they are as a person rather than talking much football. The football is already on tape. They want to know the person underneath the helmet, and Barron passed that test with flying colors.
Barron is a consensus top-10 or top-15 player in the draft, but hasn't always been mocked as a first-round pick due to him profiling more as a slot cornerback rather than on the outside. His measurements all but confirmed that for a lot of people:
• Height: 5106 (56th percentile)
• Weight: 194 (55th percentile)
• Arm: 29 5/8” (4th percentile)
• Hand: 9 1/2” (77th percentile)
Given the way Brian Branch and Cooper DeJean have impact their respective teams, the idea of drafting a slot cornerback in the first round is quickly becoming less and less farfetched. While the Steelers still prioritize defensive tackle, should the board fall a certai way, I wouldn't rule out Barron at 21st overall.
That part's conjecture right now. It's only February. The draft's two months away. But, there's no doubt the Texas cornerback made a lasting impression on the Steelers.
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